Development and characterization of PLGA nanoparticles containing antibiotics

Several strategies for the delivery and release of drugs have been studied, among them the use of polymeric nanoparticles of PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid). These nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to be promising for the controlled and effective release of drugs due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. Regarding this, the aim of this study is to synthesize and characterize PLGA polymer nanoparticles associated with antimicrobials in order to reduce adverse reactions and to have a more effective local delivery. Empty PLGA nanoparticles and conjugated to vancomycin and meropenem antibiotics were synthesized by the double emulsification-solvent evaporation technique. Then, they were characterized by the analysis of the mean particle diameter, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) vibrational spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The DLS analysis of the NPs obtained showed approximate sizes of 263.5nm (NPs-PLGA), 239.3nm (NPs-VAN) and 284.2nm (NPs-MER), and monodispersivity. FTIR results and contact angle measurements suggest encapsulation of antibiotics to NPs. The morphology evaluated through AFM and SEM indicates homogeneous, uniform, and spherical distribution of NPs and also apparently smooth. The antibacterial action of PLGA nanoparticles carried with antibiotics was effective when using concentrations of 5-2.5mg/mL (PLGA-VAN) versus Staphylococcus aureus and 10-2.5mg/mL (PLGA-MER) to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The release kinetics of the antibiotics revealed a release profile of 43.9% at the end of 24h and 96% at the end of 96h for PLGA-VAN formulation and 8.25% and 16% at the end of 24h and 96h, for PLGA-MER, respectively. This study supports the potential application of PLGA particles containing antibiotics as facilitators of drug delivery and release effectively.